663.001/11–1951: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1
priority
3040. Paris for Perkins, Bonn for Reber. In view Fr position on Aust treaty after flirting with Brit position (Embtel 2963, Nov 17 rptd London 783, Vienna 91, Moscow and Frankfort unn2) we consider that it may be necessary to modify Alternative Two as originally proposed to gain Fr support by planning gradual transition from present draft treaty to abbreviated treaty (Embtel 2974, Nov 19 rptd London 790, Vienna 92, Bonn 723). We feel that agreement shld be contingent upon achievement of general understanding by FonMins before Deputies mtg of tactics both for mtg and for future program to present abbreviated treaty to Sovs within definite period. Tripartite working group cld work out details of program.
Our thinking on new version Alternative Two (Embtel 2974) as follows: (1) Reach tripartite agreement soonest to call Deputies mtg for Dec 3 or Dec 10 at latest. (2) In mtg ask Sovs to negotiate on basis draft treaty but without further West concessions. If no result inform Sovs (a) despite concessions made in expectation of concluding treaty, no progress achieved since 1949; (b) accordingly West powers must reconsider position and will formulate alternative approach on treaty and (c) will convoke another Deputies mtg at early date to propose this approach. (3) Announce this action publicly at time of breakdown of negots and release White Paper giving basis for action. (4) Put forward abbreviated treaty in subsequent Deputies mtg.
We believe above program wld be supported by Brit and Austs. White Paper spelling out Sov obstructionism in detail wld answer Fr doubts about preparing public opinion. We do not understand Fr [Page 1174] argument that continuation of negots on old draft treaty act as bar to partition and believe that Fr proposals for vague démarches to Moscow may delay formulation of specific program for positive action unless we insist on prior agreement.